Sale 2529 - Lot 89

EVELYN RUMSEY CARY (1855-1924) PAN - AMERICAN EXPOSITION / NIAGARA. 1901. 48x25 1/2 inches, 122x67 3/4 cm. Gies & Co., Buffalo. Condition B+: expertly-repaired tear from top edge into central image; small replaced losses and repaired tears at edges; minor creases in image. Framed. This American Art Nouveau poster is based on the painting Spirit of Niagara by Cary. For this, her most famous painting, she depicts "the great waterfall of Niagara set against the skyline of Buffalo . . . Niagara is an allegorical female nude with her arms outstretched and her ethereal body delicately veiled by the blue and white foam of cascading waters. Undoubtedly, Cary intended to create an image that served to elevate the figure of Niagara from that of local legend to the level of academe" (Illuminations-Revisiting the Buffalo Pan American Exhibition, University at Buffalo Libraries). DFP-I 545, Keay p. 112, Brandt 29.